FIVE THINGS ABOUT THE HANDSHAKE AFFAIR

1 TRADITION

In Switzerland, the handshake between a teacher and pupil at the start and end of the day — a tradition in the country — has become an unlikely battle cry for religious freedom and equality. Now, one Swiss canton has added a financial element to the controversy, warning kin of kids who refuse to shake hands would face a fine of up to $6,500.

2 CONTROVERSY

In April, two students at a school in Therwil, near Basel, had requested an exemption from greeting. The two teenagers, brothers from a Syrian family, had suggested that shaking a woman’s hand went against Islamic teachings. In a compromise, the school district ruled that the pair would not have to shake any teacher’s hand, male or female.

3 NATIONAL DEBATE

After media reports, however, the agreement with the school district began to unravel. A widespread debate about immigration and integration erupted. “We cannot accept this in the name of religious freedom,” said Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.

4 DECISION REVERSED

The regional education authorities had initially stayed out of the debate, but they released a statement on Wednesday that reversed the school district’s decision. The schoolchildren would be required to shake the hand of their teacher, the statement said, or their guardians would be fined.

5 CORE VALUES

Switzerland’s Muslim community had largely refused to support the boys. “Can the denial of shaking hands be more important than the Islamic commandment of mutual respect?” the president of Federation of Islamic Organizations in Switzerland said in the statement.